A buildup of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a sebaceous gland causes a pore to become clogged, and the result is a whitehead, blackhead or pimple. A blackhead is blocked pore, or comedo, that opens up and appears dark on the skin. (The dark color is not dirt; it's the result of air reacting with the contents of the plugged pore.) If your skin is prone to blackheads, which are most prevalent on the T-zone area of the face (chin, nose and forehead), you can engage in a consistent regimen each morning and evening to target them.
Step 1
Cleanse blackhead-prone areas with a cleanser or soap formulated for acne or oily skin.
Step 2
Apply toner with a cotton ball, which will provide additional cleansing and prepare your skin for the acne treatment lotion or gel. Allow skin to dry thoroughly.
Step 3
Apply the lotion or gel in a thin layer onto blackhead-prone areas after cleansing and toning. You may need to reduce the amount or the frequency of application if your skin becomes overly dry or peels as a result.
Step 4
Use only grooming products, cosmetics and sunscreens that are oil free and labeled "non-comedogenic" to avoid clogging pores further. In addition, avoid touching your face, as such contact can result in transmission of more bacteria and oil to the skin.
Step 5
Apply a mask every week or so to further absorb oil from blackhead-prone areas and disinfect them. Let the mask dry completely, then soften with a moistened washcloth and rinse thoroughly.
Tips and Warnings
- This regimen works by managing the below-the-surface conditions that cause pores to become clogged and blackheads to appear. As such, it must be followed consistently.
- Squeezing or picking at blackheads can damage, inflame, or scar the skin. Allow a professional skin care practitioner, such as a dermatologist or esthetician, to perform extractions. Blackheads often occur in concert with other, more extreme forms of acne, such papules (pimples), pustules (pus-filled pimples), nodules or cysts. Both lemon juice and the juice of the aloe vera plant have naturally antiseptic, drying properties. Dab lemon or aloe vera juice on blackhead-prone areas with a cotton swab, let dry for approximately five minutes and rinse.
Things You'll Need
- Face cleanser or soap formulated for acne or oily skin
- Toner
- Acne treatment lotion or gel containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur or tea tree oil
- Face mask formulated for acne or oily skin
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